Perplexity launched Comet, its first AI-powered web browser, on July 9, 2025.

Initially, Comet is available to Perplexity’s Max plan subscribers at $200 per month and a select group of waitlisted users.

The browser features Perplexity’s AI search engine as the default, highlighting AI-generated summaries of search results.

Comet Assistant: AI to Automate Routine Web Tasks

Comet includes Comet Assistant, an AI agent embedded in the browser.

This assistant helps automate tasks such as summarizing emails and calendar events, managing tabs, and navigating websites.

It operates via a sidecar on any webpage, allowing the AI to view the page content and answer questions related to it.

Direct Competition with Google’s Dominance

CEO Aravind Srinivas has emphasized Comet’s role in competing with Google Search and Chrome.

The company aims to become users’ default browser, which Srinivas suggests could lead to “infinite retention” and increased requests.

Google itself has integrated AI features into Chrome recently, indicating a broader shift towards AI-powered browsing.

User Experience: Strengths and Challenges of Comet Assistant

In practical use, Comet Assistant performs well with simple tasks, such as answering questions about social media posts, YouTube videos, and Google Docs content.

It can also summarize emails effectively. However, for complex tasks, like booking long-term parking, the assistant made errors, including entering incorrect dates and hallucinating availability.

Using Comet Assistant requires granting extensive permissions, including access to the user’s Google Account, which may raise privacy concerns.

Comet’s Place Among Emerging AI Browsers

Comet enters a competitive field with browsers like The Browser Company’s Dia and potential offerings from OpenAI.

Perplexity reported 780 million queries in May 2025 and over 20% monthly growth, indicating strong user interest.

Despite challenges with AI hallucinations, Comet offers new AI-driven capabilities in web browsing.

PHOTO: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC

This article was created with AI assistance.